What is the length of the LSAT in terms of hours? How long are you going to be at the testing center? Do you get bathroom breaks? Let’s take a look at how LSAT test day actually plays out.
LSAT Test Length in Hours – Breakdown
The LSAT consists of three and a half hours where you are actually doing timed work. That sounds like a long time, but trust us, it’s more like a series of sprints than a marathon. It’s going to feel like it’s over in a flash. Let’s break it all down:
- Wait to enter room, hand in forms, get seated, name-bubbling, handwriting sample (“certifying statement”) – 30 minutes to an hour
- Begin Test – You will do three timed 35 minute multiple choice sections in a row with only a several second break in between – 105 minutes
- Restroom and rest break after 3rd section – 10 Minutes
- Two more timed 35 minute multiple choice section – 70 minutes
- Writing sample – 35 minutes
- Done!
TOTAL TIME: ~4 hours and 15 minutes
That’s that. Only four out off the total five timed multiple choice sections are actually scored. It adds up to approximately 100 questions that are scored. Your performance on those is what will determine your score.
One of the five multiple choice sections is actually an unscored “experimental” section. Unfortunately, you won’t know which section is the experimental until after the test, so you can’t exactly just chill and take a break during that. (click here if you are wondering how to figure out which section was the experimental).
MORE INFO: WHAT IS THE BEST SCORE ON THE LSAT? HOW MANY PEOPLE GET IT?
The writing sample is annoying and not every school looks at it, but you still have to do it. However, at that point you should be feeling relieved just to be done with the scramble of the multiple choice sections.
RELATED: HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STUDY FOR THE LSAT?
As a general matter, the LSAT is an awful lot of studying for an exam that just takes one morning, but all that effort is necessary to make sure things go perfectly on the big day. Make sure you study with the right materials and stay relaxed, and you’ll do fine!
3 Comments
Great source, thank you!
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I found your website almost 6 months ago, and I’m taking the LSAT tomorrow using your study tips, the books you suggested, and your 16 week study guide. Hopefully I get the score of 175. Anyway thanks in advance.